"Facebook is amazing because it feels like you’re doing something and you’re not doing anything"

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From the NYTimes:

High school student: “A book takes so long. I prefer the immediate gratification.”

Students have always faced distractions and time-wasters. But computers and cellphones, and the constant stream of stimuli they offer, pose a profound new challenge to focusing and learning.

“Their brains are rewarded not for staying on task but for jumping to the next thing." And the effects could linger.

The proponents say:

“If you’re not on top of technology, you’re not going to be on top of the world.”

“Video games don’t make the hole; they fill it.”

“I know I can read a book, but then I’m up and checking Facebook. Facebook is amazing because it feels like you’re doing something and you’re not doing anything. It’s the absence of doing something, but you feel gratified anyway.”

“Downtime is to the brain what sleep is to the body,” said Dr. Rich of Harvard Medical School. “But kids are in a constant mode of stimulation.”

References:
Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction. NYTimes.

Image source: Wikipedia.